Knitting method and machine



Aug. 19,1941. HOUSQEIMAN 2,252,769

KNITTING METHOD AND MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 15, 1940 3 Sheets-She's; 1

wry/m 3 Sheets-Sheet 2' "H HOUSEMAN KNITTING METHOD AND MACHINE v ori inal; Filed Feb. 15, 1940 E J. Y, i; 4 a

Aug. 19, 1941,"

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fizm/o f/ gaasegizaz? %IFWA{S g- 19, 1941'- H. E. HOUSEMAN 2,252,769

KNITTING METHOD AND MACHINE Original Filed Feb. 15, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 //V /5 PlA/N 8 I .c: 04 62 Q /02 'W 2; @3 if? EC) 4% ailm- Patented Aug. 19, 194i KNITTING METHOD AND MACHINE Harold E. Houseman, Laconia, N. H., assignor to Scott and Williams, Incorporated, Lacom'a, N. H., a corporation orMassachusetts Original application February 15, 1940, Serial No. 318,977. Divided and this application August 2, 1940, Serial No. 349,533

(Cl. (st-14y 14 Claims.

This invention relates to a knitted stocking and method and machine for making the same, with particular reference to a stocking in which ribs are provided in the heel and/or toe thereof.

This application is a division of my application SerialNo. 318,977, filed February 15, 1940.

Stockings have been heretofore knit by hand or on hand apparatus in the form of ribbed tubes closed at one end, generally by the use of a heavy yarn and with the ribs ofquite heavy construction. In such stockings no attempt is made to define a heel, but actually such stockings conform ably extend not only through the leg and foot of the stocking, but through the narrowed and widened portions of both the heel and toe of the stocking, being interrupted only at the sutures.

Further objects of the invention, relating pri marily to the provisionof a method and machine for the manufacture of such stockings will be epparent from the following description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a-diagrammatic elevation of a pre ance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a similar elevation of the foot of a modified form of stocking;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view through the cylinders of a double cylindertyp-e of machine, illustrating in fragmentary form the fashion in which transfer of needles is accomplished;

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrange ment in the machine of various needle controlling sliders carrying knitting and transfer butts;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic View illustrating in.

developed form the inner surfaces of various cams of the machine;

Figure 6 illustrates in elevation the form of upper and lower sliders used in the machine;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 5 showing a modified transfer cam arrange ment for the production of the stocking of Figure 2;

.ferred form of stockingconstructed in accord Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing modified sliders adapted to be used with the cams of Figure 7 and Figure 9 is a fragmentary diagram resembling Figure but showing the transfer butts on sliders used with the cams of Figure '7.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is illustrated therein a preferred type of stocking formed. in accordance with the invention and to which the disclosure of the method and apparatus described herein is made specifically applicable. This stocking comprises a welt 2, which comprises a series of courses surmounting a rib top 4 in which a conventional 1 x 1 rib arrangement may be em bodied, which rib top in turn surmounts a ribbed leg portion 6, which, as specifically illustrated in Figure 1, and as described in connection with the method and machine, is of the well known English broad rib or 6 x 3 rib type. The plain stitch portions 3 are six wales wide, while the lie pressed rib it are three wales wide, the ribs being due, as is usual, to the reverse, fashion in which the loops of the contrasting fabric portions are interlinked. For simplicity of illustration, the machine in the present case is shown as of single feed type, and consequently the leg may be considered as formed at one feed. Generally, however, these machines are provided with two feeds, and the legs are formed at the two feeds with resulting rapidity of production. In actual practice, therefore, the stocking would generally have its leg formed at two feeds.

The formation of the leg is continued in conventional fashion until the line l2 is reached, whereupon the instep needles are raised out of action in conventional fashion and reciprocatory knittingis begun with the formation of the narrowed heel pocket on the sole needles. As speci flcally illustrated in Figure 1, there are five ribs on each side of the stocking in the instep. Below these there are three ribs designated it, it and fill on each side of the stocking, while at the bottom of the stocking, on each side thereof, there are provided two other ribs. All five ribs on each side of the stocking at the bottom thereof are continued during the reciprocatory knitting at the beginning of the heel pocket. As sole needles are picked up out of action in the narrowing portion, there must naturally be picked up the needles forming the rib it so that they may take part in forming theheel suture. Before the necessity for this arises these rib forming needles are transferred from the upper to the lower cylinder of the machine, and the rib I4 is interrupted at lfione or two courses before the first of the needles forming that rib must be elevated out of action. Similarly, when their respective times for inaction approach, the needles of theribs l 8 and 20 are raised out of action. The narrowing is completed before the necessity for interrupting the ribs at the bottom of the stocking arises.

The widening of the heel pocket then takes place. One or two courses after the needles forming the lowermost interrupted rib on each side of the stocking are restored to action, the needles forming this rib are raised to the upper cylinder, with the resulting continuation of the rib 20 at 24. Similarly, the rib I8 is continued at 28 and rib I4 is continued at 28. The heel pocket is then completed along the course indicated at -30, whereupon rotary knitting is resumed to form the foot 32 with the full set of ribs.

Just prior to the beginning of reciprocatory knitting to form the toe, for example, two courses before reciprocatory knitting begins, the formation of the ribs in the instep is interrupted at 34 by the, transfer of the needles formlngthese ribs from the upper to the lower cylinderof the machine, thus forming one or more rotary courses in which, while the ribs are continued in the sole,

plain fabric is knit at 45 in the instep.

e instep needles are then again moved'out 1 of action. Reciprocatory knitting begins as in the formation of the heel, and again the three' uppermostribs on each side of the sole portion within the slots, but remaining in their respecof the stocking are successively interrupted, as 8 indicated at 8B, 38 and 40, prior to the picking up of their needles. Following this, the widening operation takes place with the formation of the suture and transfer of the rib needles again takes""p1ace to continue the interrupted ribs at. a

4|, 38 and 31 successively.

Before the reciprocatory knitting is completed, say two courses prior to this, the rib needles of the sole series are transfeired to the lower cylinder to terminate the toe ribs at 43. Thereafter one or more plain knit courses may be knit prior to the resumption of rotary knitting. The first complete rotary knitcourse is, as usual, the loopers loose course, and following its formation,

there are formed the loopers rounds. To finish 44 of a Bentley machine. These cylinders, which are'driven in unison during both rotation and reciprocation, are provided with aligned slots in their exterior surfaces within which are adapted to slide double ended needles, indicated at 48, having upper and lower hooks 48 and 50,,respectively, with cooperating latches. Also slidable tive cylinders, are upper sliders 52 and lower sliders 54, which are held in position by spring bands, not illustrated. The upper sliders 52 carry transfer butts indicated at 58, auxiliary transfer butts indicated at 51 and knitting butts indicated at 58, while the lower sliders carry transfer butts indicated at 80, auxiliary transfer butts indicated at 61 and knitting butts indicated at 62. The transfer butts are for the purpose of providing transfer of the needles from one cylinder to the other, while the knitting butts are designed to cause the needlesiconnected to the sliders to move through their proper knitting waves.

Sinkers of conventional type, indicated at 84, serve to cooperate with the needles in the usual fashion for the formation of stitches. In order to control the sliders for the proper transfer of the needles, there is provided at the height of the Besides the cams which are illustrated in Figure 5 there are provided the usual latch guarding cams and other conventional cams and. devices which have only their conventional functions in the present machine. The sinker cams are also conventional and need not be specifically described.

, long and short knitting butts and the stitch cams 10 and 12. Above these are respectively located the stocking stitching takes place as usual with the trimming ofl of the loopers rounds.

While, if desired, the ribs may be continued through the loopers loose course, andthe'subsequent loopers rounds, placing of the fabric on the looping points is facilitated if plain fabric is produced. i

The stocking so produced is quite elastic throughout itsentire structure, giving a' snug fit at the heels and toes without binding. 1 i

Before discussing the variations of thisstocking within the scope of the invention, there, will be first described the method of it formation upon the double cylinder type ofv machine comv ers to proper positions after a transfer action monly used for the production of the so-called English broad rib. This machine is of the well known Bentley type, as illustrated for example-in method to produce the stocking illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring first to Figure 3, there are illustrated therein the lower cylinder 42 and upper cylinder Adapted to cooperate with the lower sliders there are the center cam 68, adapted to engage the raising pickers l4 and 16 of conventional type adapted to raise short butt sliders during reciprocatory knitting. Located at the main feed are the yarn fingers 41.

A main lower transfer cam is illustrated at 84, this transfer cam being similar to the lower transfer cam, described in my said patent. Likewise, a conventional upper main transfer cam is provided. Auxiliary transfer cams 88 and 81 are additionally provided in the present case to operate on the auxiliary transfer butts GI and 57 for the purpose of securing selective transfers. Cam surfaces 88 and 89 serve torestore the slidtakes place, either through the main or auxiliary transfer cams. It will be noted that the cams 85 and 87 are slightly beyond the position of the to raise long butt sliders to an inoperative height so that they will not be engaged by the knitting cams at the feed. A long butt slider lowering cam 84, which is movable radially, is provided for the purpose of bringing down long butt sliders to an active level.

A guard cam 98 insures the location of slider butts in position to either engage the picker I6 or pass properly through the cams at the feed.

08 is the forward stitch clearing cam, while cams 33 and I03 efiect this. function in reverse movements. The lowering picker I04 is provided in the position illustrated.

The upper set of cams comprises an upper center cam I00 followed by the forward stitch cam H0 and cams H2 and H4 adapted to clear the stitches. At I24 there is provided a radially movable slider elevating cam which, in its outer position will fail to engage any butts and in its inner position will engage all knitting butts of the upper sliders. Immediately following this is a second radially movable cam I26 which has a lower recessed portion adapted to engage long butts only when the cam is in its active position. When withdrawn, it fails to engage any butts. Cooperating with the sliders in their reverse movements are the slider raising cam I32 corresponding to cam I24 and the recessed long butt lowering cam I34 corresponding to I26. This cam I34, however, is not radially movable, but occupies a fixed position in which it serves to lower long butt sliders only. A reverse stitch cam I 38 is provided and clearing of the latches by stitches is effected by cams I33 and I40.

Of the various cams described above, cams 84, 85, 86 and 81 are controlled in conventional fashion from the usual pattern drum cams or, if more elaborate patterns are being produced, from conventional chains. cams 92 and 94 are radially movable, as described. The movements of this cam are controlled from the conventional cam drum in the usual fashion. Of the upper cams, cams I24, I26 and I32 have already been described as radially movable. In addition, cams H2 and I38 are radially movable between outer positions in which they fail to engage any butts and inner positions in which they may engage butts of either length. These various radially movable cams are controlled in quite conventional fashion from the main cam drum ofthe machine through links and levers which need not be described. The radial sliding movements of cam 92 are controlled in the same fashion.

To secure the proper control of needles for the formation of the stocking described herein, the upper and lower sliders have butts provided as indicated in Figure 4. The needles may be considered as divided into two series, a long butt series to form the instep, and a short butt series to form the sole of the stocking. The needles themselves are not provided. with the long and short butts, but rather the sliders associated :with them. Preferably, and as indicated specifically herein, equal numbers of needles are provided in the two groups on opposite sides of the center line I42.

Referring first to the knitting butts 6? of'the lower sliders, all of the instep sliders are provided'with long butts I44. All of the sliders of the sole series are provided with short butts I66.

The upper sliders of the instep series are provided with long butts I50, while the upper sliders of the sole series are provided with short butts I52.

The upper sliders are either provided with no main transfer butts as, indicated at I54, with long main transfer butts, as indicated at I56, or with short main transfer butts indicated at I58. In

Of the lower series of cams, 1

the present case, the short transfer butts I58 occur only on the sliders of the instep series adapted to control needles for the formation of ribs. The arrangements of these butts will be apparent from Figure 4. Because of the knitting of 1 x 1 rib, every alternate upper slider must have either a main or auxiliary transfer butt. If a short transfer butt or an auxiliary transfer butt does not occur thereon, then a long transfer butt is provided.

The lower sliders corresponding to upper sliders which do not carry transfer butts are also lacking in transfer butts, as indicated at I62. Every alternate lower slider carries a long main transfer butt I64. Lowersliders which do not carry the butts I64, but which correspond in position to the rib sliders of the upper series carry short transfer butts I66. In Figure 4 the groupings of needles and sliders forming rib and plain stitches in the formation of the leg are so indicated. 1

The auxiliary transfer butts 51 of the upper sliders occur in four lengths, indicated at I61, I68, I69 and I60. The two groups of rib controlling sliders adjacent the dividing line I42 are provided with the longest butts I67, and the next two groups on each side with butts I68 and I69, respectively. The remaining sliders of the sole series corresponding to the ribs in the leg are provided with the shortest butts I60.

Certain lower sliders of the sole series have auxiliary butts provided in the location 6|, as

indicated at I'I0, III and I12, these auxiliary butts being respectively of the three different lengths indicated. They are carried on the sliders on both sides of the circle corresponding to the sliders which carry the butts I61, I68 and The invention will be best understood from specific consideration of these butt set-ups, though it will be evident that variations in the product will require obvious changes therein.

In the operation of the machine to form the stocking of Figure 1, all of the needles following the formation of the previous stocking will bet, in the lower cylinder engaged by the lower sliders. The first course or courses may then be knit as plain courses, the needles being controlledby the lower sliders, the knitting butts 62 of which will pass over the cam I2 and then below center cam 68 and stitch cam I0 to take the yarn, being then raised by cam 90 to a level to reengage cam I2.

In order to form a welt? and provide for the knitting of the 1 x 1 rib top, the first transfer of the needles occurs.

As stated previously, every alternate one of the lower sliders is'provided with a long transferbutt I64. To effect the transfer, the transfer cam 84 is moved inward so as to engage only the long butts I63 and miss the short butts I66. In the meantime, the upper sliders will be moving at their lower level determined by the action of the cam II4. By reason of the action of cam 84 and the cooperation of the cam 68 with the upper ends of the sliders as described in my Patent 2,170,078, the needles will be transferred from the lower sliders carrying the long butts I64 to the. corresponding upper sliders. The knitting butts of the upper sliders pass upwardly over cam I24 and miss cam I26, which is retracted, to be engaged bycams I08 and IIO, and then depressed by cams H2 and H4, so that the needles thus transferred will take yarn as well as those needles which remain in the lower cylinder,

and consequently a course having a 1 x 1 rib will be provided. As soon as the transfer is completed, however, the cam H2 is withdrawn, whereupon the needles in the upper cylinder will not be caused to move downwardly to cause their loops to clear their latches, and, as cam I38 is in retracted position, the knitting butts of the upper sliders will then move substantially at a constant level through the cams (being only slightly raised by cam H) and will not take yarn. The yarn feeds normally to the needles remaining in the lower cylinder. Thus there may be produced a few courses during which loops are held on the needles in the upper cylinder. The result is the knitting of the welt 2. 7

It may be pointed out here that during all phases of the operation, sliders which do not carry'needles pass idly through the knitting waves along with those which do control needles.

The knitting of the rib top 4 may then be begun merely by permitting the cam II2 to move into its active position, this operation taking place in steps by having it first move inwardly as the short knitting butts I52 of the upper slid- -ers are passingit, and it will move to its full {inward position as soon as it is cleared by these short butts and depresses the long butts I50. By

the action of the cam H2 and its continuation II4, the upper cylinder needles are caused to clear their loops. The path of the knitting butts of the upper sliders will then be below the cams H2 and H4, over cams I24, I08 and H0, during passage by the last of which the needles take yarn. At the same time, the needles of the lower cylinder are passing through the knitting wave previously described. Accordingly, the 1 x 1 rib structure of the top is, knit.

The second transfer now takes place in passing from the 1 x 1 rib top to the 6 x 3 rib leg 6.

having plain stitched parts 8 and ribs I0. The cam 84 is moved all the way in to engage the transfer butts of all of the lower-sliders. The

' transfer cam 85 is moved inward so as to engage only the longest transfer butts I56 of the upper sliders. Accordingly, a double transfer occurs. As the lower sliders ride up the cam 84, all of the needles remaining in the lower cylinder and engaged by sliders having transfer butts I66 are transferred to the upper cylinder. (The needles corresponding to sliders having butts I64 are already in the upper cylinder.) Immediately, however, the longest butts I56 of the upper sliders are engaged by the transfer cam 85 and consequently, the needles corresponding to such upper sliders are transferred to the lower cylinder. Study of Figure 4 will reveal that this action will result in having in the lower cylinder groups of six needles with intermediate groups of three needles each in the upper cylinder. Continued knitting, therefore, will result in the production of the 6 x 3 rib leg which is illustrated. At this .dles carried by both the upper and lower cylinders. The instep needles are rendered inactive by the raising cam 92 (cam 94 being withdrawn) and by moving cam I26 inwardly to engage long butts I50 on the uppersliders. By the action of cam 92, the needles of the long butt series in the lower cylinder are raised to an inactive position wherein they will fail to take yarn. The cam I26 effects the lowering of the needles of the long butt series in the upper cylinder in each forward reciprocation to a position in which these needles will fail to take yarn. In each reverse reciprocation this same function is performed by cam I34. Thus only the short butt sliders of both the upper and lower series will pass through the knitting waves.

It will be noted that on each side of the cylinder adjacent the instep needles there are two needles of the sole series knitting plain fabric. Since the lowering pickers now come into action, the needles in these positions will be picked up successively in conventional fashion. However, it will be noted that the next three needles on each side are in the upper cylinder at the beginning of the formation of the heel, and, since these needles must be rendered inactive, they are made subject to the picker action by being transferred to the lower cylinder either as the reciprocatory knitting is begun or during the formation of the first course thereof. To this end the auxiliary transfer cam 81 is moved inward by one step to engage only the longest transfer butts I61 of the upper sliders. Thus the ribs corresponding to these needles are interrupted, as indicated at I6, before the necessity for picking the corresponding needles arises.

As reciprocation proceeds, there will be approached for picking action the needles corresponding to the sliders having butts I68. One or two courses before the first of these needles is due to be picked up, transfer cam 81 is moved 7 inwardly another step to engage the butts I68 point, it may be noted, as pointed out above,

In order to begin the knitting of the heel, the

rotary knitting. is changed to reciprocatory knitting and knitting must proceed on the sole neeto lower the corresponding needles. This action is again repeated when the needles corresponding to the sliders having butts I69 are due to be picked up. Thus the ribs I4, I8 and 20 are interrupted just short of the formation of the suture 22 in the completed heel. Since the narrowing is not carried out in the region of the needles corresponding to the sliders having butts I60, there is no necessity for interrupting the ribs corresponding thereto, 1. e., at the extreme rear of the heel.

Following completion of the narrowing operation, widening takes place in conventional fashion, the lowering picker I04 being rendered active to pick down two needles into operative position, while the raising pickers continue to raise one at each stroke. The formations of the ribs which were successively interrupted are now successively resumed. As soon as the needles corresponding to the sliders having butts I69 are restored to active position, the cam 86 is moved inwardly one step to engage the longest butts I12 of the lower sliders which control these needles, thereby effecting their transfer to the upper cylinder to resume the formation of the rib 20, as indicated at 24. Likewise, as soon as the next groups of rib forming needles are restored to action,the cam 86 is moved inward another step to engage the butts III to transfer the corresponding needles to continue rib I8 at 26. This same action is repeated in due course by the action of cam 86 on the shortest butts I10, to cause the formation of the rib It to be resumed at 28.

When the widening is completed, the cam I28 is withdrawn from action, cam 92 is withdrawn and cam 94 is moved in, therebyeffecting the restoration into action of the instep needles car-' ried by both the upper and lower cylinders, rotary knitting is resumed and the foot 32 thus formed. The ribs in the instep are, of course, not interrupted, all of the loops having been held along the line indicated at I2 during the formation of the heel.

When the position for the formation of the toe is approached, say two courses before reciprocatory knitting is to begin, transfer cam 85 is moved inward to engage the short transfer butts III! of the upper sliders which control the rib needles of the instep series. By this action, the ribs In are interrupted. All the needles corresponding to sliders having long transfer butts I" will already be in the lower cylinder, so that the only action occurring at this time will be the interruption of the ribs in the instep. Thus there are formed-one or more rotary knit courses having ribs in the sole portion of the stocking and plain knitting in the instep.

Reciprocatory knitting and narrowing are again resumed, the instep needles being again moved to an inoperative level, in this case all being raised, since all are in the lower cylinder. Again successive transfer of the groups of rib needles is effected to interrupt the ribs at 36, 3! and 40, respectively, just short of the formation of the suture line 35. Following completion of the narrowing, wideningis resumed, and the rib needles are restored in successive groups to the upper cylinder to continue the ribs as indicated at II, 39 and 31.

Just prior to the beginning of rotary knitting, for the formation ofthe loopers loose course, for example, two courses prior to this time, cam 81 is moved in to its full extent to effect transfer of all of the rib forming needles to the lower cylinder by engagement with all of the auxiliary transfer butts I61, I68, I69 and I60. Following this action, reciprocatory knitting takes place for one or more further courses to complete the widening operation, and then rotary knitting takes place first to form the loopers loose course and then the loopers rounds.

, It will be noted from the above description of the formation of the stocking of Figure 1 that the interruptions of the ribs occurring, for example, at IE, are along courses, i. e., each Wale of the rib isinterrupted at the same course. With narrow ribs formed, for example, on three needles,"

as in the case of the stocking of Figure 1, this interruption of the entire rib along a single course is not unsatisfactory in the finished stocking; but

the result is exaggerated in Figure 1, in which it will be noted that, theoretically at least,-the ribs will appear to be interrupted along lines not parallel to, but rather diverging from, the suture, inasmuch as the courses diverge fromthe suture at a considerable angle. If wider ribs are produced, or even if a somewhat better appearance is desired with narrower ribs, it is desirable that the ribs should very closely approach the suture and should be interrupted substantially parallel to the suture. This means that the successive wales of the ribs should be interrupted successively.

The above is illustrated in Figure 2, in which the various interrupted and continued ribs have the same designations as in Figure 1, but with the numerals primed. As illustrated in that fig ure, the result will be the interruption of each'rib parallel to. the suture with the portions of the rib on opposite sides'of the suture approaching each other as closely as possiblethrougho'ut the entire width of each rib. p

The stockingof Figure 2 may be produced with a minor modification of the machine set-up previously described. Such modification is illustrated in Figures '7, 8 and 9. As'illustrated in Figure 8, the upper and lower' sliders, here designated- 52 and 54", are provided notonlywith knitting butts- BI and 62" and transfer butts ll, 51', 60' and BI, but 'additionallywith secondary transfer butts 51" and ii"; The machine cams are substantially as before, with the exception manna functions of former cam 81 are now performed by two cams 81' and 81".

t 81' corresponds in position tocam 81, but is sub- 'stantially reduced in its vertical extent, so that a butt 51' would pass above it if the upper slider isnot depressed by engagement of the cam 81" with the butt 51" of that slider. Similarly, the function of the cam 88 is performed by the two cams l6. and 88", the latteriof which, by engagebutts and the knitting butts, which are the same as before. The auxiliary transfer butts I61, Ill, I68 and IE0 correspond to the auxiliary transferbutts I61, I68, I69 and ISO previously described.- Similarly, auxiliary transfer butts I10, HI and I12 correspond to butts I10, HI and I12 previously described. On the groups of sliders containing the butts I51 are secondary butts I13 of different lengths, as illustrated. In the case of ribs formed on three needles, these need only be of three lengths. If wider ribs are formed, additional lengths are added. Similarly, the sliders carrying butts I68 and I69 are'also provided with stepped groups of secondary butts I13. The sliders carrying-butts I60 carry secondary butts ill of the shortest length.

The lower groups of sliders. carrying auxiliary transfer butts flli, Ill and I12 are also provided with stepped secondary butts I15, as illustrated.

In the formation of the stocking of Figure 2, all of the operations-are as described previously down to the point of the beginning .of the nar rowing to form the heel. When the time approaches for the first rib needle to be transferred in order to be picked up out of action in the narrowing operation, the cam 81' is moved into position in which it will engage the longest butts I81 as they are depressed sufficiently to strike it. The cam l1".is moved inwardly at first only to a sufficient extent to engage the longest butts of the groups I13. During the 'formationof the forward course in which the transfer of the first needle is to take place, the longest butt oil-the group I13 corresponding to the butts I61, will engage the cam 81" and its. slider will be depressed to cause the butt I61 thereon to engage cam 81, thus effecting a transfer of one needle. This action occurs, of course. on both sides of the series of sole needles. While the cam 81" engages the longest butts of the groups I13 corresponding to butts I68 and I69, transfers are not effected thereby because the depression due to cam 81" is in itself insuificient to effect a transfer, and the butts I68 and IN will not be engaged by the cam 81'.

In the next forward course, the cam 81" is moved inwardly another step, while cam 81' retains its same position. Thus, as will be evident, the second needles involved in the formation of the first ribs on each side of the stocking will be transferred. In the next forward course, the cam 81" is moved still further inwardly, to engage the shortest butts of the groups I13.

In this fashion, it will be evident that the ribs have their successive wales interrupted in successive forward courses, with a resulting interruption of the rib as a whole along a-line parallel to the suture to be formed. In the finished stocking each successive rib wale terminates two courses beyond the termination of the preceding one since transfer is effected only in forward movements. However, this terminates the ribs parallel tothe suture since picking of needles on each side only occurs at alternate courses.

When the time comes for the successive transfer of the needles forming the second ribs, the cam 81' is moved inwardly another step, to be engaged by the butts I68 and the stepping of cam 51'' is again effected. The same action occurs for the interruption of the third rib on each side. a

In the widening operation, a reverse action occurs due to the successive engagement of the cam 86" with the different length butts I16, with corresponding selective action of the cam 86' to render it capable of engaging butts of the groups H2, Ill and I'll), respectively. It

in selective fashion to engage the upper transfer cams such as, for example, 81' and 81" which, in addition, can exert a selective action, by reason of their selective positioning to engage transfer butts of different lengths. Thus spiral ribs or the like may be interrupted at sutures, either along courses or in stepped fashion parallel to sutures, as described above.

What I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. The method of knitting a stocking having reversely concatenated loops forming design structure in both the leg and pouch portions on a machine of the superposed cylinder type which comprises knitting the leg portion on needles in both cylinders by rotary knitting, and knitting said pouch portion on needles in both cylinders by reciprocatory knitting while fashioning of the pouch portion is taking place. 7

2. A circular knitting machine of the superposed cylinder type comprising upper and lowerv cylinders arranged to rotate andreciprocate in unison, needles adapted to slide in said cylinders,

will be evident that this action will result in resumption of the formation of the ribs along lines parallel to the suture. 1

This same type of action is repeated at the toe, both in the narrowing and widening operations. As a consequence, in the finished product, the

ribs appear substantially continuous, save for narrow interruptions at the sutures.

As in the modification of Figure 1, the instep ribs are interrupted one or more courses before the beginning of the reciprocatory knitting to form the toe. Prior to the ending of the reciprocatory knitting at the completion of the toe,

both earns 81' and 81" are moved inwardly to. their .full extents to engage the auxiliary and secondary series of butts. Thus it will be evident from the set-up in Figure 9 that all of the rib needles of the sole series will be simultaneously transferred to the lower cylinder for the resumption of plain knitting. Following the completion of the reciprocatory knitting, rotary knitting is then resumed, as described in connection with the previous modification.

While ribs have been referred to throughout the description, it will be evident that various types of designs may be provided by the use, for example, of the mechanism illustrated in Wainwright Patent 2,070,762. Bythe use of the mechanism of this patent and the provision of jacks above the upper sliders, patterning of quite elaborate types may be readily accomplished.

In connection with the stocking herein described, reference may be made particularly to the formation of spiral ribs running throughout the leg and foot portions of the stocking in general imitation of the hand knitted ribbed stock ings referred to above. The arrangement of the Wainwright patent is adaptable to the present machine by having the jacks position the sliders means for feeding yarns to the needles, means for moving needles in the lower cylinder successively out of action during reciprocatory knitting to effect narrowing, means for effecting knitting on needles in both cylinders during such narrowing, and means for transferring to the, lower cylinder any needle knitting in the upper cylinder Just prior to its turn to be moved out of action to effect the narrowing operation.

3. A circular knitting machine of the superposed cylinder t p comprising upper and lower cylinders arranged to rotate and reciprocate in unison, needles adapted to slide in said cylinders, means for feeding yarns to the needles, means formoving needles in the lower cylinder successively out of action during reciprocatory knitting to effect narrowing, means for restoring such needles to action during reciprocatory knitting to effect widening, means for effecting knitting on needles in both cylinders during such narrowing and widening, means for transferring to the lower cylinder anyneedle knitting in the upper cylinder just prior to its turn to be moved out of action to effect the narrowing operation and for retransferring itto the upper cylinder subsequent to its restoration to action to effect the.

widening operation.

4. A circular knitting machine of the superposed cylinder type comprising upper and lower cylinders arranged to rotate and reciprocate in unison, needles adapted to slide in said cylinders,

;to, ,their tu to be moved out of action to effect vthe narro ng ope ration so that such ribs appeartotermin te -parallel to a suture.

5. The method of knitting a fashioned pouch having reversely concatenated loops forming design structure therein on a machine of the superposed cylinder type which comprises moving needles in 'one cylinder successively out of action during reciprocatory knittingto effect narrowing, knitting on needles in both cylinders during such narrowing, and transferring to the first mentioned cylinder any needle knitting in the. other cylinder just prior to its turn to be moved out of action to effect; the narrowing operation.

6. The method of knitting a fashioned pouch having reversely concatenated loops forming design structure therein on a machine of the superposed cylinder type which comprises moving needles in one cylinder successively out of action during reciprocatory knitting to effect narrowing, knitting on needles in both cylinders during such narrowing, transferring to the first mentioned cylinder any needle knitting in the other cylinder just prior to its turn to be moved out of action to effect the narrowing operation, and retransferring such needle to the other needle subsequent to its restoration to action to efiect the widening operation.

7. A circular knitting machine comprising means for knitting by reciprocatory knitting a fashioned pouch having narrowed and widened portions along a suture, including means for moving needles into and out of action to form the suture, and means for reversely concatenating loops to form design structure in the formation of courses containing loops which are knit into said suture.

8. A circular knitting machine comprising means for knitting by reciprocatory knitting a fashioned pouch having narrowed and widened portions joined along a suture, including means for moving needles into and out of action to form the suture, and means for reversely concatenating loops to form ribs extending through courses containing loops which are knit into said suture.

9. A circular knitting machine comprising means for knittinga narrowed part of a pouch portion of a stocking by reciprocatory knitting of courses of successively shorter length leaving suture forming loops at the ends of wales, means for forming during such knitting ribs of multiple wale width, means for interrupting such ribs successively before the formation of suture forming loops in their wales, means for knitting a widened part of the pouch portion by reciprocatory knitting of courses of successfully longer length with interknitting of said suture forming loops to form a suture, means for forming during such knitting ribs of multiple wale width as continuations of the first mentioned ribs, and means for starting the last mentioned ribs only after their wales are of courses of successively shorter length leaving suture forming loops at the ends of wales. said means including means for moving needles progressively out of action, means for forming during such knitting ribs of multiple wale width, means for knitting a widened part of the pouch portionby reciprocatory knitting of courses of successively longer length with interknitting of said sutures forming loops to form a suture, the last mentioned means including means for progressively restoring needles to action, andmeans for forming during said knitting ribs of multiple wale width as continuations of the first mentioned ribs.

11. A circular knitting machine comprising means for knitting a leg portion of a stocking by rotary knitting. means for forming integrally with the leg portion by reciprocatory knitting a fashioned pouch containing sections which are joined by sutures including means for moving needles into and out of action to form the sutures. and means for selectively reversely concatenating loops during the formations of both the leg portion by rotary knitting and the pouch portion by reciprocatory knitting.

12. A circular knitting machine comprising means for knitting a'leg portion of a stocking by rotary knitting, means for forming integrally with the leg portion by reciprocatory knitting a fashioned pouch containing sections which are joined by sutures, means for selectively reversely concatenating loops to form multiple wale rib structure during the formations of both the leg 7 portion by rotary knitting and the pouch portion sign structure while knitting into the suture only 3 loops concatenated in the same direction with preceding loops.

14. The method of knitting a stocking on a circular knitting machine of superposed cylinder type comprising knitting by reciprocatory knitting a fashioned pouch having narrowed and widened portions joined along a suture formed by the picking of needles of the lower cylinder out of and into action, and during said knitting of the pouch knitting upon needles of both cylinders to produce reversely concatenated loops to form design structure.

HAROLD E. HOUSEMAN. 

